No to Indian hunchbacks

– Concerned about producing a generation of children with hunched backs and other spine problems, India has denounced schools for making pupils carry heavy school bags.

The government has issued weight guidelines for school bags depending on age, citing studies showing how loads affect developing spines.

One survey found that 68% of pre-teen children might suffer from mild back pain, which can develop into chronic pain, and later into a hunchback.

The study found that more than 88% of children from seven to 13 carry more than 45% of their body weight on their backs.

The state of Maharashtra, where Mumbai is located, mandates a bag’s weight should not exceed 10% of the child’s weight. But in large parts of rural India, children walk long distances with heavy school bags. – Reuters

Mumbai